Latest news with #CivilDefenceRules
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
'Operation Shield': These states will conduct mock drills today (May 31). Check timings, other details
Civil defence drills or mock drills are being conducted on Saturday, May 31, across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir under 'Operation Shield'. Launched on the home ministry's directive, the initiative is designed to enhance emergency preparedness amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Initially planned for May 29, the drills were delayed due to administrative reasons. The exercises will simulate multiple emergency situations, underscoring the heightened emphasis on national security. Earlier, a mock drill was held on May 7, following the India-Pakistan tensions amid the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Officials identified critical gaps in the civil defence preparedness. A Punjab government spokesperson told Hindustan Times that in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, the Union ministry of home affairs, has decided to hold the second civil defence exercise. These mock drills will help in preparing for emergency situation and ensure preparedness among different states. Chief secretary of the revenue department (Gujarat), Jayanti Ravi, told ANI that during the mock drill, various actions will be carried out related to ensuring readiness of the local administration around civil security. She also said that this will include young volunteers like NCC, NSS, Bharat Scout and Guide and include setting up a hotline between the Air Force and the Civil Security Control Room regarding enemy aircraft and missile attacks. During this time air raid sirens may be activated. In Punjab, Special Director General of Police Sanjeev Kalra told ANI that the exercise would simulate a large-scale emergency situation. He added that fire services and representatives of the armed forces will also be involved in it. Civil defence drills are set to take place on May 31 across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir under 'Operation Shield.' In Haryana, a total of 32,000 volunteers will take part in the drill across the state. In Rajasthan, the mock drill is scheduled to be held across all 41 districts, including Jaisalmer. According to official sources, the mock drill in Rajasthan will begin at 5PM, although the exact location in Jaisalmer district has been kept confidential. Additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Amritsar, Amit Sareen, told Hindustan Times that, 'A blackout drill will be conducted in the district from 8pm to 8.30pm in which inner areas of the district will be exempted.' (With ANI inputs)
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab to hold 2nd civil defence mock drill on May 31
Punjab is all set to hold the second civil defence exercise 'Operation Shield' on May 31 at 6pm. As part of this, complete blackout measures would be implemented in adjoining civilian vulnerable areas and vulnerable points, excluding emergency and critical services, and air raid sirens would be sounded, a government spokesperson said. He added that in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, the Union ministry of home affairs, Government of India, has decided to hold the second civil defence exercise in all districts of states/UTs, adjoining the western border of the country. These drills follow the directive issued by the home ministry in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The first civil defence exercise was held on May 7. Initially, the civil defence drill across the border states of Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, as well as the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was scheduled for Thursday evening, but it was later postponed. The Punjab home department had on Wednesday informed that it was unable to hold the drill on Thursday as its volunteers were currently being trained by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and postponed the drill to June 3.
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Op Sindoor Not Over, India Gears Up For ‘Operation Shield'. What Is It?
Last Updated: Operation Shield: This exercise follows the first Civil Defence drill held on May 7, which helped identify key preparedness gaps in high-risk areas. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the second edition of the nationwide Civil Defence Exercise- Operation Shield, will be conducted on May 31, 2025, across all districts bordering India's western frontier, including Jammu and Kashmir. The large-scale drill, aimed at enhancing readiness against potential hostile attacks, will take place under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, and is being coordinated by the Additional Director General of Civil Defence. This exercise follows the first Civil Defence drill held on May 7, which helped identify key preparedness gaps in high-risk areas. Building on those lessons, Operation Shield will simulate a range of emergency scenarios, including general and silent recall of civil defence volunteers, enemy air raids involving aircraft, drones, and missile strikes, and activation of communication hotlines between the Indian Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms. The exercise will also test the use of centrally controlled air raid sirens and enforce blackout procedures in civilian areas. Simulated drone attacks on military stations and evacuation drills—including the relocation of 20 mock casualties—are also planned. In addition, the drill will practice mass casualty management, with arrangements for 30 units of blood and the deployment of trained medical teams. All districts have been directed to conduct the exercise at 1700 hours on May 31, in coordination with local administrations. Youth organisations such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and the Bharat Scouts & Guides will also take part in the operation. Following the drill, districts are required to submit detailed action reports assessing their performance and identifying areas for improvement. The order has been circulated to senior officials, including the Union Home Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Ministry of Youth Affairs, and the Chief Secretaries and Administrators of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh. These authorities have been tasked with ensuring the smooth planning and execution of the exercise in their respective jurisdictions. Why Was Operation Shield Postponed? Originally scheduled for May 29, the exercise was postponed due to administrative reasons and will now take place on May 31, maintaining its objective of enhancing national preparedness through coordinated civil-military drills. First Published: May 30, 2025, 07:49 IST
Hans India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MHA asks states to invoke emergency powers amid India-Pak conflict
New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday instructed the Chief Secretaries and administrators of all states and Union Territories to invoke the emergency powers provided to them under Civil Defence Rules amid rising tensions with Pakistan. According to the communique, states and Union Territories can invoke Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, granting Emergency Procurement Powers to their respective Directors of Civil Defence to ensure the swift and effective implementation of precautionary measures. This order aligns with the government's efforts to efficiently implement necessary precautionary measures. Several districts across India, particularly near its Western parts, are on high alert after Pakistan attempted a retaliatory assault post India's Operation Sindoor, launching drones and missiles at multiple Indian military installations across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Key locations targeted included Srinagar, Pathankot, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj.
The Print
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
MHA asks states, UTs to invoke emergency procurement powers under Civil Defence Rules
In the letter issued, considering the last night attacks by Pakistani forces in Jammu and Jaisalmer regions, the provision also authorizes the use of local authority funds for such emergency measures, giving them precedence over other financial obligations. Highlighting Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, the Ministry in a letter titled 'augmentation of civil defence measures in the states/UTs' reminded that state governments are empowered to undertake all necessary actions for the protection of people and property, and to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of vital services during a hostile attack. New Delhi: In light of the current security environment and the threat of hostile attacks, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has urged all states and Union Territories (UTs) to augment civil defence measures under the Civil Defence Act and Rules of 1968. In the communication, the Ministry has requested that 'states and UTs invoke Section 11 and grant emergency procurement powers to their respective Directors of Civil Defence.' This step is aimed at enabling swift and efficient implementation of precautionary and protective measures. 'In the current hostile attack scenario, I would like to draw your kind attention towards Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, which inter-alia empowers he State Governments, to take such measures, which in the opinion of the state government necessary for the protection of persons and property from injury or damage, or for ensuring the due maintenance of the vital services, in the event of hostile attack. The funds of the local authority shall be applicable to the payment of the charges and expenses Incidental to such compliance, and priority shall be given to such compliance over all other duties and obligations of the local authority,' reads the letter. 'I shall be grateful, if Section 11 of the CD Rules, 1968, can be invoked and necessary Emergency Procurement Powers to the Director Civil Defence of your state and UT, may be granted so that efficient implementation of the necessary precautionary measures can be implemented.' Officials emphasized that timely action and preparedness at the state and local levels are essential to mitigate the impact. The call to strengthen civil defence measures follows a serious security incident along the India-Pakistan border as Pakistan on Thursday night launched a series of coordinated drone and missile attacks along India's western border, targeting regions in Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan. According to Indian defense officials, the attacks were largely intercepted by India's air defense systems, including the S-400 missile defense system, preventing significant damage. These strikes were reportedly in retaliation to India's Operation Sindoor conducted earlier this week, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists on April 22. The escalating conflict has led to heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with both sides accusing each other of aggression and violating airspace. The situation remains volatile, with international calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. This report is auto-generated from the ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also read: We can defeat Pakistan without war. Operation Sindoor's India's strongest reply to Pahalgam
